Das Damen
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Alternative rock music albums and singles |
'Das Damen was an alternative rock group originating from New York City, established in 1984. The ensemble issued multiple records prior to their breakup in 1991. Their name is a pseudo-German term intended to mean "the ladies," though the accurate German phrase is Die Damen.
History
The band came together in 1984 with members Jim Walters (vocals, guitar), Alex Totino (guitar, vocals), Phil Leopold von Trapp (bass, vocals), and Lyle Hysen (drums). Before forming Das Damen, Totino and Hysen were part of the New York hardcore outfit The Misguided. Their first album, self-titled, was launched in 1986 through Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! label. Subsequently, they signed with SST Records, releasing Jupiter Eye in 1987, which was characterized as a blend of "quasi-hardcore with touches of MC5-influenced garage psychedelia." Their third studio effort, Triskaidekaphobe, included contributions from former MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer.
The 1988 Marshmellow Conspiracy EP was pulled from circulation because it contained the track "Song for Michael Jackson to $ell," which was an uncredited adaptation of The Beatles' song "Magical Mystery Tour." A revised version of the EP was released without that particular song; two of the remaining tracks were taken from their earlier album, one of which was re-recorded featuring Kramer.
In 1989, Das Damen issued Mousetrap under the Twin/Tone label. After von Trapp's departure, David Motamed joined as bassist. The band transitioned to City Slang for their live album Entertaining Friends, recorded at the iconic venue CBGB. Their last release was the High Anxiety mini-album in July 1991, a joint release by City Slang and Sub Pop. Following his time with Das Damen, Motamed became a member of Cell.
Musical style
Ira Robbins from Trouser Press described their debut as "six poorly mixed extended tracks that are noisy yet enjoyable." Their musical approach fused elements of alternative rock with influences from heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and acid rock.
Discography
Albums
- Das Damen (1986), Ecstatic Peace
- Jupiter Eye (1987), SST
- Triskaidekaphobe (1988), SST
- Mousetrap (1989), Twin/Tone
- Entertaining Friends (live) (1990), City Slang
- High Anxiety mini (1991), City Slang/Sub Pop
- 1986: Keeps Me Wild (2023), Dromedary
Singles, EPs
- Marshmellow Conspiracy EP (1988), SST
- "Noon Daylight" (1989), What Goes On / Twin/Tone (UK Indie No. 12)
- "Sad Mile" / "Making Time" (1989), Sub Pop - Sub Pop Singles Club release